<p>Team India has hit the rock in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand after they lost the Pune Test on Saturday (Oct 27), condemning them to their first Test series defeat on home soil in 12 years. While questions have been raised on the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after their lack of contribution in recent series, it is tough to argue whether the Indian team is better with or without them. However, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to start in Australia next month, it is a case of whether or not for coach Gautam Gambhir to drop the big boys.</p>

<h2><strong>Virat Kohli in numbers</strong></h2>

<p>At the time of writing, it has been 348 days since Virat last scored an international hundred for India when he played a superb 117-run knock against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup. Since then he has scored 621 international runs in 26 innings, averaging 24.84 for an innings. After the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, he has scored only two fifties for India in all formats while registering four ducks.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Virat still deserves his place in the team?</strong></h2>

<p>While the numbers don’t make a great reading for Virat in the last 12 months, he still retains the fear factor in him. While he was not at his best for India in the last 12 months, his most valuable and important knock came in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados in June. His 76-run knock was the difference-maker in India winning the World Cup, highlighting his ability to perform on a big day when required.</p>

<p>Australia are Virat’s favourite Test opponent as numbers suggest, in 44 Test innings against the Aussies he has 2042 runs, more than any other Test-playing nation. He has eight hundreds and five fifties, showing why he deserves a place on the team.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/manchester-citys-rodri-wins-mens-2024-ballon-dor-as-real-madrids-vinicius-jr-settles-for-second-spot-771493">Manchester City's Rodri wins men's 2024 Ballon d'Or as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr settles for second spot</a></strong></p>

<p>Australia also remains Virat’s happy hunting away territory with the bat, having amassed 1352 runs in 25 Test innings. He will potentially have 10 innings during the BGT to add to that impressive tally. With six hundreds Down Under in the red-ball format alone, the 35-year-old should be the first name on the team’s Playing XI.</p>

<p>Interestingly, the former India skipper has scored at least one hundred on each red-ball tour of Australia barring the last one in 2020-21. He only played in the Adelaide Test scoring 78 runs in both innings combined before jetting off for paternity leave.</p>

<p>With ruthless aggression on board and the ability to perform on the biggest stage, Virat will be Team India’s biggest weapon Down Under while the World Test Championship final qualification also remains on the agenda.</p>


Team India has hit the rock in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand after they lost the Pune Test on Saturday (Oct 27), condemning them to their first Test series defeat on home soil in 12 years.

Team India has hit the rock in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand after they lost the Pune Test on Saturday (Oct 27), condemning them to their first Test series defeat on home soil in 12 years. While questions have been raised on the futures of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after their lack of contribution in recent series, it is tough to argue whether the Indian team is better with or without them. However, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy set to start in Australia next month, it is a case of whether or not for coach Gautam Gambhir to drop the big boys. Virat Kohli in numbers At the time of writing, it has been 348 days since Virat last scored an international hundred for India when he played a superb 117-run knock against New Zealand in the ODI World Cup. Since then he has scored 621 international runs in 26 innings, averaging 24.84 for an innings. After the ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad, he has scored only two fifties for India in all formats while registering four ducks. Why Virat still deserves his place in the team? While the numbers don’t make a great reading for Virat in the last 12 months, he still retains the fear factor in him. While he was not at his best for India in the last 12 months, his most valuable and important knock came in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados in June. His 76-run knock was the difference-maker in India winning the World Cup, highlighting his ability to perform on a big day when required. Australia are Virat’s favourite Test opponent as numbers suggest, in 44 Test innings against the Aussies he has 2042 runs, more than any other Test-playing nation. He has eight hundreds and five fifties, showing why he deserves a place on the team. ALSO READ | Manchester City's Rodri wins men's 2024 Ballon d'Or as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr settles for second spot Australia also remains Virat’s happy hunting away territory with the bat, having amassed 1352 runs in 25 Test innings. He will potentially have 10 innings during the BGT to add to that impressive tally. With six hundreds Down Under in the red-ball format alone, the 35-year-old should be the first name on the team’s Playing XI. Interestingly, the former India skipper has scored at least one hundred on each red-ball tour of Australia barring the last one in 2020-21. He only played in the Adelaide Test scoring 78 runs in both innings combined before jetting off for paternity leave. With ruthless aggression on board and the ability to perform on the biggest stage, Virat will be Team India’s biggest weapon Down Under while the World Test Championship final qualification also remains on the agenda.

Why Team India should stick to Virat Kohli despite failure in recent games?

<p>It was the end of the Erik ten Hag managerial era at Manchester United on Monday (Oct 28) after the Dutch manager was sacked by the club owing to a poor start to the season. With 11 points from nine matches, Sunday’s defeat to West Ham United was the final nail in the coffin for Ten Hag as attention now turns to the next manager. While Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge temporarily, it is Sporting Lisbon manager Rúben Amorim who leads the race to be the next permanent man in charge of the side.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Rúben Amorim?</strong></h2>

<p>Currently working as the head coach of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Amorim has Manchester United connections having completed his managerial internship at Old Trafford during Jose Mourinho’s managerial reign. A former Benfica star, 39-year-old Amorim played the majority of his club football in his native Portugal before hanging his boots and moving into management in 2018. He also represented Portugal at the international level, earning 14 caps and playing at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup.</p>

<p>Since taking over at Sporting in 2020, Amorim has taken the Portugal league by storm, helping his side win two league titles. Sporting won the 2020-21 and 2023-24 league titles and are flying high under his stewardship in the 2024-25 season.</p>

<p>Sporting have won all nine matches in Liga Portugal, collecting 27 points with a hundred percent record. They have conceded only two goals while scoring a league-high 30 goals. Sporting sit three points clear at the top ahead of Porto, to underline their dominance in the league. The side narrowly missed out on a double of league and cup, having lost the Taca de Portugal final after extra time on 26 May 2024.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/manchester-citys-rodri-wins-mens-2024-ballon-dor-as-real-madrids-vinicius-jr-settles-for-second-spot-771493">Manchester City's Rodri wins men's 2024 Ballon d'Or as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr settles for second spot</a></strong></p>

<p>At the time of writing, Sporting are eighth in the Champions League new format having won two and drawn one match so far in three matchdays. They sit above Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG and other powerhouses of the continent with seven points from a possible nine.</p>

<h2><strong>What are Ruben Amorim’s chances to become the next manager?</strong></h2>

<p>While a host of other names are under consideration, Manchester United are likely to move for Amorim if he gives the green light to the move. Currently working his trade with Sporting, United will also have to seek permission from the club to have a format conversation with the 39-year-old. If everything works well, United are expected to move quickly, or else they will stay with Van Nistelrooy for the time being.</p>


It was the end of the Erik ten Hag managerial era at Manchester United on Monday (Oct 28) after the Dutch manager was sacked by the club owing to a poor start to the season.

It was the end of the Erik ten Hag managerial era at Manchester United on Monday (Oct 28) after the Dutch manager was sacked by the club owing to a poor start to the season. With 11 points from nine matches, Sunday’s defeat to West Ham United was the final nail in the coffin for Ten Hag as attention now turns to the next manager. While Ruud van Nistelrooy will take charge temporarily, it is Sporting Lisbon manager Rúben Amorim who leads the race to be the next permanent man in charge of the side. Who is Rúben Amorim? Currently working as the head coach of Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, Amorim has Manchester United connections having completed his managerial internship at Old Trafford during Jose Mourinho’s managerial reign. A former Benfica star, 39-year-old Amorim played the majority of his club football in his native Portugal before hanging his boots and moving into management in 2018. He also represented Portugal at the international level, earning 14 caps and playing at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup. Since taking over at Sporting in 2020, Amorim has taken the Portugal league by storm, helping his side win two league titles. Sporting won the 2020-21 and 2023-24 league titles and are flying high under his stewardship in the 2024-25 season. Sporting have won all nine matches in Liga Portugal, collecting 27 points with a hundred percent record. They have conceded only two goals while scoring a league-high 30 goals. Sporting sit three points clear at the top ahead of Porto, to underline their dominance in the league. The side narrowly missed out on a double of league and cup, having lost the Taca de Portugal final after extra time on 26 May 2024. ALSO READ | Manchester City's Rodri wins men's 2024 Ballon d'Or as Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr settles for second spot At the time of writing, Sporting are eighth in the Champions League new format having won two and drawn one match so far in three matchdays. They sit above Arsenal, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG and other powerhouses of the continent with seven points from a possible nine. What are Ruben Amorim’s chances to become the next manager? While a host of other names are under consideration, Manchester United are likely to move for Amorim if he gives the green light to the move. Currently working his trade with Sporting, United will also have to seek permission from the club to have a format conversation with the 39-year-old. If everything works well, United are expected to move quickly, or else they will stay with Van Nistelrooy for the time being.

Rúben Amorim: Portuguese football manager leading race to be next Man Utd boss. Who is he?

<p>Hyderabad FC hammered Mohammedan SC 4-0 to register their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. On a night where the hosts took the field in search of their maiden home win, it was Allan Paulista, who scored a brilliant brace with the likes of Stefan Sapic and Parag Shrivas also joining the goal-scoring bonanza.</p>

<p>Thangboi Singto’s men initiated the groundwork for a brilliant win when Allan Paulista capitalised on Padam Chettri’s mistake to hand the visitors an early lead in the fourth minute. The Brazilian was lurking in the penalty area when Padam failed to clear his lines following a pass from Florent Ogier. Paulista saw the opportunity and tucked it past the goalkeeper.</p>

<p>Hyderabad FC piled more pressure on Mohammedan SC’s backline and they were duly rewarded in the 12th minute when Stefan Sapic rose the highest to head home the second goal from a Cy Goddard corner.</p>

<p>Hyderabad FC’s onslaught kept going as the hosts were unable to match their intensity and left acres of space in midfield. Three minutes after the second goal, Paulista added another to his tally after Parag Shrivas found the Brazilian unmarked in the final third. The 25-year-old hammered the ball home, beating Padam all ends up. Hyderabad FC scripted history as they raced to a 3-0 lead in just 14 minutes and 38 seconds which is the second-fastest in ISL history.</p>

<p>Hyderabad FC could have extended their lead when Andrei Alba found himself in space right at the edge of the penalty area. But the Brazilian scuffed his shot wide. In the first half, Mohammedan SC were slower to react to second balls, they left plenty of space while defending and lacked that spark in attack. Despite having the lion’s share of possession they went into the break trailing 3-0 at home.</p>

<p>The second half saw Mohammedan SC tactician Andrey Chernyshov turn to his bench as he brought on Cesar Manzoki, Mohammed Irshad and Makan Chothe to solidify all three departments. Despite the changes, the visitors added another goal to their scoresheet in the 51st minute when Parag Shrivas combined with Alba to produce a long-range missile.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-era-witnesses-another-low-in-new-zealand-series-defeat-is-the-worst-yet-to-come-770955">Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come?</a></strong></p>

<p>The young defender swerved the ball straight into the top right corner, leaving Padam and Mohammedan SC backline completely bamboozled. It was a special moment for the youngster as he scored his maiden ISL goal.</p>

<p>Right after conceding their fourth goal, the hosts had a great chance to pull one back when Manzoki found himself in space in the box but his subsequent effort struck the post. Later Bikash Singh saw his chance go begging following Alexis Gomez’s excellent cross.</p>

<p>In the last 20 minutes of the game, Mohammedan SC threw bodies forward in search of goals but unfortunately, it was just not their night as Hyderabad FC registered their second clean sheet and first win of the season.</p>


Hyderabad FC hammered Mohammedan SC 4-0 to register their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday.

Hyderabad FC hammered Mohammedan SC 4-0 to register their first win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Saturday. On a night where the hosts took the field in search of their maiden home win, it was Allan Paulista, who scored a brilliant brace with the likes of Stefan Sapic and Parag Shrivas also joining the goal-scoring bonanza. Thangboi Singto’s men initiated the groundwork for a brilliant win when Allan Paulista capitalised on Padam Chettri’s mistake to hand the visitors an early lead in the fourth minute. The Brazilian was lurking in the penalty area when Padam failed to clear his lines following a pass from Florent Ogier. Paulista saw the opportunity and tucked it past the goalkeeper. Hyderabad FC piled more pressure on Mohammedan SC’s backline and they were duly rewarded in the 12th minute when Stefan Sapic rose the highest to head home the second goal from a Cy Goddard corner. Hyderabad FC’s onslaught kept going as the hosts were unable to match their intensity and left acres of space in midfield. Three minutes after the second goal, Paulista added another to his tally after Parag Shrivas found the Brazilian unmarked in the final third. The 25-year-old hammered the ball home, beating Padam all ends up. Hyderabad FC scripted history as they raced to a 3-0 lead in just 14 minutes and 38 seconds which is the second-fastest in ISL history. Hyderabad FC could have extended their lead when Andrei Alba found himself in space right at the edge of the penalty area. But the Brazilian scuffed his shot wide. In the first half, Mohammedan SC were slower to react to second balls, they left plenty of space while defending and lacked that spark in attack. Despite having the lion’s share of possession they went into the break trailing 3-0 at home. The second half saw Mohammedan SC tactician Andrey Chernyshov turn to his bench as he brought on Cesar Manzoki, Mohammed Irshad and Makan Chothe to solidify all three departments. Despite the changes, the visitors added another goal to their scoresheet in the 51st minute when Parag Shrivas combined with Alba to produce a long-range missile. ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come? The young defender swerved the ball straight into the top right corner, leaving Padam and Mohammedan SC backline completely bamboozled. It was a special moment for the youngster as he scored his maiden ISL goal. Right after conceding their fourth goal, the hosts had a great chance to pull one back when Manzoki found himself in space in the box but his subsequent effort struck the post. Later Bikash Singh saw his chance go begging following Alexis Gomez’s excellent cross. In the last 20 minutes of the game, Mohammedan SC threw bodies forward in search of goals but unfortunately, it was just not their night as Hyderabad FC registered their second clean sheet and first win of the season.

ISL: Hyderabad ride on Allan Paulista’s brace to beat Mohammedan 4-0 in Kolkata

5 Longest Unbeaten Test Series Run at Home

10 Series - November 1994 to November 2000 

18 Series - February 2013 to October 2024 

5 Longest Unbeaten Test Series Run at Home ft India vs New Zealand, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Australia, West Indies

<p>Max Verstappen has told AFP it is "definitely" his intention to remain at Red Bull until 2028 despite a turbulent season on and off the track.</p>

<p>Verstappen, speaking in an interview ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, stressed he had a "long-term" contract with Red Bull until 2028, and praised rival teams for "catching up" on the previously dominant world champions.</p>

<p>Despite not winning a grand prix since June the 27-year-old expressed quiet confidence that he could hold off title rival Lando Norris of McLaren in the remaining five races and claim his fourth straight Formula One drivers' crown.</p>

<p>Red Bull and Verstappen raced out of the blocks at the start of the season, hoovering up seven of the first 10 races.</p>

<p>But then the wheels dramatically fell off their title charge, with Verstappen's only win since Spain coming in the sprint race in the United States last Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Dutchman though believes the team under Christian Horner's stewardship have emerged from a fraught time to check McLaren's remarkable rise to the top of the constructors' standings.</p>

<p>The car that Verstappen likened to a "monster" only last month in Monza appears to have turned the corner, its problems ironed out, and Verstappen goes into Sunday's race 57 points clear of Norris.</p>

<h2><strong>Tough races</strong></h2>

<p>"We had a few tough races, I think we understood our problem and now the remaining races are all about just trying to get the balance back in the car and in general of course make it also go faster."</p>

<p>If the RB20 was not reading its 2024 script properly, nor were the team, whose pre-season build-up was derailed by the damaging Horner case.</p>

<p>There had been speculation triple world champion Verstappen could move to Mercedes to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton next year after Red Bull team principal Horner was accused of inappropriate conduct towards a woman colleague.</p>

<p>Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing ahead of the season-opener in Bahrain but the off-track scandal rumbled on for weeks.</p>

<p>Adding to the Red Bull turmoil were the departure of some integral figures in the team's success story over the years, not least engineering guru Adrian Newey.</p>

<p>Verstappen himself raised doubts about his future in Formula One one in Singapore last month after he was sanctioned by governing body, the FIA, for swearing.</p>

<p>Asked by AFP in Red Bull's motorhome at the high-altitude Mexican circuit whether he was planning to see out his Red Bull contract to the end of the 2028 season he replied: "That's definitely the intention, I signed a long-term deal with the team and in a perfect world we of course end it here."</p>

<p>And he did not make a link between Red Bull's off-track problems and their car losing its way in mid-season.</p>

<p>"This is something that is very difficult to answer, I think of course the decisions that were taken with this year's car were already before all that, so of course it's easy to blame it on that, but I don't want to do that."</p>

<h2><strong>Prefer to win by 30 seconds</strong></h2>

<p>After "a few tough races" with the Horner case an unwelcome side storm Red Bull look back in business.</p>

<p>"We are working together to try and come up with solutions, to try and find more performance and we are in the middle of that," added Verstappen.</p>

<p>"I think last weekend already it showed more promising results and I hope that we can continue that."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-new-zealand-in-pole-position-in-pune-test-after-indian-batters-disappoint-on-day-2-770712">IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2</a></strong></p>

<p>With Norris and McLaren emerging as genuine title contenders it's giving F1 fans something to shout about whilst making life a whole lot harder for Verstappen compared to 2023.</p>

<p>Fighting with Norris last weekend for third spot at the United States Grand Prix he said was good, "but winning by 30 seconds is also very nice!</p>

<p>"I prefer to win by 30 seconds," said Verstappen who took third spot in Texas after Norris was relegated to fourth following a penalty.</p>

<p>He said there were no guarantees that he would be able to hold onto his driver's crown.</p>

<p>"A lot of things can still go wrong, but we just need to do a good job as a team and of course from my side I have to be on it every single weekend."</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong>&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Max Verstappen has told AFP it is "definitely" his intention to remain at Red Bull until 2028 despite a turbulent season on and off the track. Verstappen, speaking in an interview ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, stressed he had a "long-term" contract with Red Bull until 2028, and praised rival teams for "catching up" on the previously dominant world champions.

Max Verstappen has told AFP it is "definitely" his intention to remain at Red Bull until 2028 despite a turbulent season on and off the track. Verstappen, speaking in an interview ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, stressed he had a "long-term" contract with Red Bull until 2028, and praised rival teams for "catching up" on the previously dominant world champions. Despite not winning a grand prix since June the 27-year-old expressed quiet confidence that he could hold off title rival Lando Norris of McLaren in the remaining five races and claim his fourth straight Formula One drivers' crown. Red Bull and Verstappen raced out of the blocks at the start of the season, hoovering up seven of the first 10 races. But then the wheels dramatically fell off their title charge, with Verstappen's only win since Spain coming in the sprint race in the United States last Saturday. The Dutchman though believes the team under Christian Horner's stewardship have emerged from a fraught time to check McLaren's remarkable rise to the top of the constructors' standings. The car that Verstappen likened to a "monster" only last month in Monza appears to have turned the corner, its problems ironed out, and Verstappen goes into Sunday's race 57 points clear of Norris. Tough races "We had a few tough races, I think we understood our problem and now the remaining races are all about just trying to get the balance back in the car and in general of course make it also go faster." If the RB20 was not reading its 2024 script properly, nor were the team, whose pre-season build-up was derailed by the damaging Horner case. There had been speculation triple world champion Verstappen could move to Mercedes to replace Ferrari-bound Lewis Hamilton next year after Red Bull team principal Horner was accused of inappropriate conduct towards a woman colleague. Horner was cleared of any wrongdoing ahead of the season-opener in Bahrain but the off-track scandal rumbled on for weeks. Adding to the Red Bull turmoil were the departure of some integral figures in the team's success story over the years, not least engineering guru Adrian Newey. Verstappen himself raised doubts about his future in Formula One one in Singapore last month after he was sanctioned by governing body, the FIA, for swearing. Asked by AFP in Red Bull's motorhome at the high-altitude Mexican circuit whether he was planning to see out his Red Bull contract to the end of the 2028 season he replied: "That's definitely the intention, I signed a long-term deal with the team and in a perfect world we of course end it here." And he did not make a link between Red Bull's off-track problems and their car losing its way in mid-season. "This is something that is very difficult to answer, I think of course the decisions that were taken with this year's car were already before all that, so of course it's easy to blame it on that, but I don't want to do that." Prefer to win by 30 seconds After "a few tough races" with the Horner case an unwelcome side storm Red Bull look back in business. "We are working together to try and come up with solutions, to try and find more performance and we are in the middle of that," added Verstappen. "I think last weekend already it showed more promising results and I hope that we can continue that." ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2 With Norris and McLaren emerging as genuine title contenders it's giving F1 fans something to shout about whilst making life a whole lot harder for Verstappen compared to 2023. Fighting with Norris last weekend for third spot at the United States Grand Prix he said was good, "but winning by 30 seconds is also very nice! "I prefer to win by 30 seconds," said Verstappen who took third spot in Texas after Norris was relegated to fourth following a penalty. He said there were no guarantees that he would be able to hold onto his driver's crown. "A lot of things can still go wrong, but we just need to do a good job as a team and of course from my side I have to be on it every single weekend." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Max Verstappen says 'definitely' his intention to remain at Red Bull

<p>Bengaluru FC notched their fifth win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a clinical 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi tonight (Oct 25).&nbsp;In an encounter where the Blues conceded their first goal of the campaign, they held their nerves and capitalised upon the openings to break through the Kerala Blasters FC backline and inflict upon them a loss in front of a rousing home crowd.</p>

<p>The Gerard Zaragoza-coached side laid the foundation of this incredible outing within the first 10 minutes of the clash. Argentine striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz has been a bundle of energy for them upfront this season and it was his relentless high-press that handed them the integral lead in the eighth minute.</p>

<p>As Kerala Blasters FC aimed to build attacks gradually from the back, Diaz charged up ahead with sheer pace to pressurise Pritam Kotal into losing the possession. The former Kerala Blasters forward then carefully dribbled the ball ahead and lobbed it over goalkeeper Som Kumar to get his team ahead in the game.</p>

<p>Bengaluru FC’s joy was short-lived though as defender Rahul Bheke’s foul on Kwame Peprah inside the penalty box at the brink of the half-time whistle handed Kerala Blasters FC a reprieve. Jesus Jimenez was flawless from the spot, firing the ball into the top left corner to equalise the scores.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-new-zealand-in-pole-position-in-pune-test-after-indian-batters-disappoint-on-day-2-770712">IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2</a></strong></p>

<p>The visitors had their trump card in Edgar Mendez unleashed full throttle in the second essay of the play. Spanish midfielder Alberto Noguera has been critical for Bengaluru FC in earning fouls from goal-scoring positions this season. One such instance led to a melee inside the box in the 74th minute. However, Mendez, placed right at the centre of the 18-yard area, was at the correct place at the correct time to simply slot the ball past a disoriented defence into the bottom right corner to regain the lead.</p>

<p>Bengaluru FC resorted to protecting their lead in the final 20 minutes, but they weren’t hesitant to hit Kerala Blasters FC on the counter either. In the fourth minute of the added time of the second half, Bengaluru FC broke into a quick offensive move and it culminated with Mohamed Salah trusting Mendez with an outside-of-the-box effort to bag Bengaluru FC’s third goal of the night.</p>

<p>Mendez didn’t disappoint, showing exceptional shooting accuracy to put the ball at the centre of the goal from a distance to get Bengaluru FC the coveted win and the bragging rights of the Southern Rivalry.</p>


Bengaluru FC notched their fifth win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a clinical 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi tonight (Oct 25).

Bengaluru FC notched their fifth win of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a clinical 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi tonight (Oct 25). In an encounter where the Blues conceded their first goal of the campaign, they held their nerves and capitalised upon the openings to break through the Kerala Blasters FC backline and inflict upon them a loss in front of a rousing home crowd. The Gerard Zaragoza-coached side laid the foundation of this incredible outing within the first 10 minutes of the clash. Argentine striker Jorge Pereyra Diaz has been a bundle of energy for them upfront this season and it was his relentless high-press that handed them the integral lead in the eighth minute. As Kerala Blasters FC aimed to build attacks gradually from the back, Diaz charged up ahead with sheer pace to pressurise Pritam Kotal into losing the possession. The former Kerala Blasters forward then carefully dribbled the ball ahead and lobbed it over goalkeeper Som Kumar to get his team ahead in the game. Bengaluru FC’s joy was short-lived though as defender Rahul Bheke’s foul on Kwame Peprah inside the penalty box at the brink of the half-time whistle handed Kerala Blasters FC a reprieve. Jesus Jimenez was flawless from the spot, firing the ball into the top left corner to equalise the scores. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2 The visitors had their trump card in Edgar Mendez unleashed full throttle in the second essay of the play. Spanish midfielder Alberto Noguera has been critical for Bengaluru FC in earning fouls from goal-scoring positions this season. One such instance led to a melee inside the box in the 74th minute. However, Mendez, placed right at the centre of the 18-yard area, was at the correct place at the correct time to simply slot the ball past a disoriented defence into the bottom right corner to regain the lead. Bengaluru FC resorted to protecting their lead in the final 20 minutes, but they weren’t hesitant to hit Kerala Blasters FC on the counter either. In the fourth minute of the added time of the second half, Bengaluru FC broke into a quick offensive move and it culminated with Mohamed Salah trusting Mendez with an outside-of-the-box effort to bag Bengaluru FC’s third goal of the night. Mendez didn’t disappoint, showing exceptional shooting accuracy to put the ball at the centre of the goal from a distance to get Bengaluru FC the coveted win and the bragging rights of the Southern Rivalry.

ISL: Bengaluru bag Southern rivalry bragging rights with exceptional 3-1 victory against Kerala Blasters

<p>Abhimanyu Easwaran has been rewarded for his heroics in the Ranji Trophy after he made it to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad on Friday (Oct 25). Easwaran will be part of the Indian squad for the first time while there was no place for Mohammed Shami despite his recovery from a knee issue. On the other hand, Vyshak Vijay Kumar has also been named in the Indian squad for the T20I series against South Africa which will start in the first week of November.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 NEWS 🚨<br />
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Squads for India’s tour of South Africa &amp; Border-Gavaskar Trophy announced 🔽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z4eTXlH3u0">pic.twitter.com/Z4eTXlH3u0</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1849852590823178575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Abhimanyu Easwaran in for Australia tour</strong></h2>

<p>Having been on the selector's radar for a long time, Easwaran finally made the Indian squad for the Australia tour. He has recently scored four first-class hundreds in six innings which had seen him in contention for the BGT series. He was unfortunate to have missed out on a place in the New Zealand and Bangladesh series.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Mohammed Shami will have to wait for his chance as he is not fully fit for the Test series Down Under. Instead, the selectors panel led by Ajit Agarkar has included Akash Deep Singh, Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling department.</p>

<p>For the South Africa series, the selectors have included uncapped Harshit Rana and Vyshak Vijay Kumar in the Indian side. Suryakumar Yadav will be returning to the captaincy role while Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson continue to feature in the Indian side.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-new-zealand-in-pole-position-in-pune-test-after-indian-batters-disappoint-on-day-2-770712">IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>India’s Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar</p>

<p><strong>India’s Squad for the South Africa tour</strong></p>

<p>Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.</p>


Abhimanyu Easwaran has been rewarded for his heroics in the Ranji Trophy after he made it to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad on Friday (Oct 25). Easwaran will be part of the Indian squad for the first time while there was no place for Mohammed Shami despite his recovery from a knee issue.

Abhimanyu Easwaran has been rewarded for his heroics in the Ranji Trophy after he made it to India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad on Friday (Oct 25). Easwaran will be part of the Indian squad for the first time while there was no place for Mohammed Shami despite his recovery from a knee issue. On the other hand, Vyshak Vijay Kumar has also been named in the Indian squad for the T20I series against South Africa which will start in the first week of November. 🚨 NEWS 🚨 Squads for India’s tour of South Africa & Border-Gavaskar Trophy announced 🔽#TeamIndia | #SAvIND | #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Z4eTXlH3u0 — BCCI (@BCCI) October 25, 2024 × Abhimanyu Easwaran in for Australia tour Having been on the selector's radar for a long time, Easwaran finally made the Indian squad for the Australia tour. He has recently scored four first-class hundreds in six innings which had seen him in contention for the BGT series. He was unfortunate to have missed out on a place in the New Zealand and Bangladesh series. On the other hand, Mohammed Shami will have to wait for his chance as he is not fully fit for the Test series Down Under. Instead, the selectors panel led by Ajit Agarkar has included Akash Deep Singh, Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj in the bowling department. For the South Africa series, the selectors have included uncapped Harshit Rana and Vyshak Vijay Kumar in the Indian side. Suryakumar Yadav will be returning to the captaincy role while Hardik Pandya and Sanju Samson continue to feature in the Indian side. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ: Advantage New Zealand in Pune Test after Indian batters disappoint on Day 2 India’s Squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar India’s Squad for the South Africa tour Suryakumar Yadav (C), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.

Abhimanyu Easwaran included in Rohit Sharma-led India squad for Aussie tour; Vijay Kumar in for SA T20 series

<p>Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League as the striker sealed a 1-0 win against Southampton, while third-placed Aston Villa were frustrated by Bournemouth's last-gasp leveller on Saturday (Oct 26).</p>

<p>Haaland had gone three league games without a goal but he ended that mini drought in the first half at the Etihad Stadium.</p>

<p>That was enough to lift Pep Guardiola's side into first place, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, who can regain pole position if they win Sunday's blockbuster clash with title rivals Arsenal.</p>

<p>City have not lost a league game at the Etihad for two years, a run encompassing 35 games, and bottom of the table Southampton, who have only one point from nine games this season, were never likely to shatter that impressive streak.</p>

<p>With Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku ruled out, Guardiola made four changes to the team that thrashed Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Haaland had scored an audacious goal against Sparta and while his effort to kill off Southampton was more prosaic, it was arguably far more valuable given the context of a tense title race.</p>

<p>Matheus Nunes's cross reached Haaland in the fifth minute and the Norwegian showed strength and desire to get to the ball ahead of his marker for a close-range strike.</p>

<p>City spurned several chances to increase their lead but Haaland's 14th goal in all competitions this season gave the unbeaten champions seven wins from nine league matches as they chase a fifth successive title.</p>

<p>"The way Southampton played, they are so demanding. Big credit to them, it was not because we were sloppy or flat. I don't have that feeling," Guardiola said.</p>

<p>"We created chances and unfortunately couldn't score the second. I think we were there and sometimes they are good. We have to accept that."</p>

<p>Aston Villa's hopes of pushing for the title suffered a setback as Bournemouth snatched a 1-1 draw at Villa Park.</p>

<p>Villa are unbeaten in the Champions League, sitting top of the table after seeing off Young Boys, Bayern Munich and Bologna.</p>

<p>But they couldn't follow their latest European success with a domestic victory despite taking the lead in the 76th minute.</p>

<p>Ian Maatsen crossed and Leon Bailey teed up Ross Barkley to hook in his first goal for the club.</p>

<p>But Evanilson rescued Bournemouth with the headed equaliser six minutes into stoppage-time.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-era-witnesses-another-low-in-new-zealand-series-defeat-is-the-worst-yet-to-come-770955">Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come?</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Wolves fightback</strong></h2>

<p>Brentford beat fourth-bottom Ipswich 4-3 in a thrilling clash in west London.</p>

<p>Ipswich's Sam Szmodics produced a fine finish from 15 yards in the 28th minute before George Hirst clipped a composed strike past Mark Flekken three minutes later.</p>

<p>But Yoane Wissa netted in the 44th minute and Harry Clarke's own goal seconds later hauled Brentford level.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bryan Mbeumo's 51st-minute penalty, awarded for Clarke's foul on Keane Lewis-Potter, put Brentford 3-2 up.</p>

<p>Capping a miserable day for Clarke, he was sent off in the closing stages after fouling Lewis-Potter to earn a second booking.</p>

<p>Liam Delap's 86th-minute equaliser appeared to have spared Clarke's blushes, but Mbeumo snatched victory with the last kick of stoppage-time.</p>

<p>Second-bottom Wolves staged a superb fightback to draw 2-2 at fifth-placed Brighton.</p>

<p>Danny Welbeck bagged his sixth goal of the season in first-half stoppage-time and Evan Ferguson struck with a clinical finish from Tariq Lamptey's 85th-minute cross to leave Brighton in control.</p>

<p>But Rayan Ait-Nouri got one back three minutes later and Matheus Cunha saved winless Wolves from a sixth successive league defeat with a deflected equaliser deep into stoppage-time.</p>

<p>Everton face Fulham in Saturday's late game at Goodison Park.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong>&nbsp;This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League as the striker sealed a 1-0 win against Southampton, while third-placed Aston Villa were frustrated by Bournemouth's last-gasp leveller on Saturday (Oct 26).

Erling Haaland fired Manchester City to the top of the Premier League as the striker sealed a 1-0 win against Southampton, while third-placed Aston Villa were frustrated by Bournemouth's last-gasp leveller on Saturday (Oct 26). Haaland had gone three league games without a goal but he ended that mini drought in the first half at the Etihad Stadium. That was enough to lift Pep Guardiola's side into first place, two points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, who can regain pole position if they win Sunday's blockbuster clash with title rivals Arsenal. City have not lost a league game at the Etihad for two years, a run encompassing 35 games, and bottom of the table Southampton, who have only one point from nine games this season, were never likely to shatter that impressive streak. With Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku ruled out, Guardiola made four changes to the team that thrashed Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday. Haaland had scored an audacious goal against Sparta and while his effort to kill off Southampton was more prosaic, it was arguably far more valuable given the context of a tense title race. Matheus Nunes's cross reached Haaland in the fifth minute and the Norwegian showed strength and desire to get to the ball ahead of his marker for a close-range strike. City spurned several chances to increase their lead but Haaland's 14th goal in all competitions this season gave the unbeaten champions seven wins from nine league matches as they chase a fifth successive title. "The way Southampton played, they are so demanding. Big credit to them, it was not because we were sloppy or flat. I don't have that feeling," Guardiola said. "We created chances and unfortunately couldn't score the second. I think we were there and sometimes they are good. We have to accept that." Aston Villa's hopes of pushing for the title suffered a setback as Bournemouth snatched a 1-1 draw at Villa Park. Villa are unbeaten in the Champions League, sitting top of the table after seeing off Young Boys, Bayern Munich and Bologna. But they couldn't follow their latest European success with a domestic victory despite taking the lead in the 76th minute. Ian Maatsen crossed and Leon Bailey teed up Ross Barkley to hook in his first goal for the club. But Evanilson rescued Bournemouth with the headed equaliser six minutes into stoppage-time. ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come? Wolves fightback Brentford beat fourth-bottom Ipswich 4-3 in a thrilling clash in west London. Ipswich's Sam Szmodics produced a fine finish from 15 yards in the 28th minute before George Hirst clipped a composed strike past Mark Flekken three minutes later. But Yoane Wissa netted in the 44th minute and Harry Clarke's own goal seconds later hauled Brentford level. Bryan Mbeumo's 51st-minute penalty, awarded for Clarke's foul on Keane Lewis-Potter, put Brentford 3-2 up. Capping a miserable day for Clarke, he was sent off in the closing stages after fouling Lewis-Potter to earn a second booking. Liam Delap's 86th-minute equaliser appeared to have spared Clarke's blushes, but Mbeumo snatched victory with the last kick of stoppage-time. Second-bottom Wolves staged a superb fightback to draw 2-2 at fifth-placed Brighton. Danny Welbeck bagged his sixth goal of the season in first-half stoppage-time and Evan Ferguson struck with a clinical finish from Tariq Lamptey's 85th-minute cross to leave Brighton in control. But Rayan Ait-Nouri got one back three minutes later and Matheus Cunha saved winless Wolves from a sixth successive league defeat with a deflected equaliser deep into stoppage-time. Everton face Fulham in Saturday's late game at Goodison Park. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Premier League: Erling Haaland fires Man City to top; Aston Villa, Brighton held in thrillers

<p>The Indian women's team will look to avenge the men’s team loss against New Zealand as they take on the women’s side in the second ODI on Sunday (Oct 27). The team led by Smriti Mandhana will have the opportunity to win the ODI series against the newly crowned T20 champions. Ahead of the second ODI contest between India and New Zealand here are all the details of the contest including live streaming, squads and others.</p>

<h2><strong>When is the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match?</strong></h2>

<p>The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be played on Sunday (Oct 27).</p>

<h2><strong>Which stadium will host the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match?</strong></h2>

<p>The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.</p>

<h2><strong>What time will the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match start?</strong></h2>

<p>The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will start at 1:30 pm&nbsp;IST with toss taking place at 1:00 pm&nbsp;IST.</p>

<h2><strong>Where to watch the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match on TV?</strong></h2>

<p>The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be telecast on the Sports 18 Network in India.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-era-witnesses-another-low-in-new-zealand-series-defeat-is-the-worst-yet-to-come-770955">Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come?</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Where to watch the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match on OTT?</strong></h2>

<p>The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be live-streamed on the Jio Cinema app and website in India.</p>

<h2><strong>Squads</strong></h2>

<p><strong>India Women’s&nbsp;Squad:</strong> Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana(c), Yastika Bhatia(w), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Saima Thakor, Renuka Thakur Singh, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Uma Chetry, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra</p>

<p><strong>New Zealand Women’s&nbsp;Squad:</strong> Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Lauren Down, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Eden Carson, Lea Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe, Fran Jonas, Polly Inglis</p>


The Indian women's team will look to avenge the men’s team loss against New Zealand as they take on the women’s side in the second ODI on Sunday (Oct 27). The team led by Smriti Mandhana will have the opportunity to win the ODI series against the newly crowned T20 champions.

The Indian women's team will look to avenge the men’s team loss against New Zealand as they take on the women’s side in the second ODI on Sunday (Oct 27). The team led by Smriti Mandhana will have the opportunity to win the ODI series against the newly crowned T20 champions. Ahead of the second ODI contest between India and New Zealand here are all the details of the contest including live streaming, squads and others. When is the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match? The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be played on Sunday (Oct 27). Which stadium will host the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match? The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. What time will the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match start? The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will start at 1:30 pm IST with toss taking place at 1:00 pm IST. Where to watch the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match on TV? The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be telecast on the Sports 18 Network in India. ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come? Where to watch the India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match on OTT? The India women vs New Zealand women 2nd ODI match will be live-streamed on the Jio Cinema app and website in India. Squads India Women’s Squad: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana(c), Yastika Bhatia(w), Dayalan Hemalatha, Jemimah Rodrigues, Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Radha Yadav, Saima Thakor, Renuka Thakur Singh, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shreyanka Patil, Uma Chetry, Sayali Satghare, Priya Mishra New Zealand Women’s Squad: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Lauren Down, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Eden Carson, Lea Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe, Fran Jonas, Polly Inglis

IND-W vs NZ-W 2nd ODI Live Streaming: When & how to watch India vs New Zealand Live on TV

<p>New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has reflected on his performance in the second Test match against India as the visitors were at their fluent best on Saturday (Oct 26). Santner bagged seven wickets in the match including six wickets in the second innings which propelled New Zealand to their maiden Test series win on Indian soil. According to the bowling all-rounder, it felt a little better every time he got a wicket against India.</p>

<h2><strong>Santner opens up on India's win</strong></h2>

<p>"It's a bit strange for me [to bowl that many overs]," Santner admitted. "My side's a little sore. Must be the spike in my workloads - 20-odd overs out there," he said, only half-joking. "I felt it a little bit early on in my spell, but I guess in that kind of situation you just want to keep going. Every time I got a wicket, it felt a little better.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/gautam-gambhir-era-witnesses-another-low-in-new-zealand-series-defeat-is-the-worst-yet-to-come-770955">Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come?</a></strong></p>

<p>New Zealand beat India by 113 runs in the Pune Test which sealed a famous 2-0 series win over India with one contest in Mumbai still to go. Before the series, New Zealand had not won a Test match on Indian soil in 36 years, but that drought came to an end in Bengaluru. However, the win in Pune goes down as the biggest win for New Zealand as it sealed their maiden series win away in India.</p>

<h2><strong>New Zealand back in race for WTC final</strong></h2>

<p>While India’s chances were heavily dented, New Zealand have rejuvenated their hopes of a second WTC final after 2021. The Kiwis now have a PCT of 50 from 10 matches where they have won five and lost five. They still have four matches to play in the WTC cycle with them standing an opportunity to whitewash India on their home turf.</p>

<p>In case the Kiwis win their four matches they will attain a PCT of 64.28, giving them a good chance of qualifying to the final.</p>


New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has reflected on his performance in the second Test match against India as the visitors were at their fluent best on Saturday (Oct 26).

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has reflected on his performance in the second Test match against India as the visitors were at their fluent best on Saturday (Oct 26). Santner bagged seven wickets in the match including six wickets in the second innings which propelled New Zealand to their maiden Test series win on Indian soil. According to the bowling all-rounder, it felt a little better every time he got a wicket against India. Santner opens up on India's win "It's a bit strange for me [to bowl that many overs]," Santner admitted. "My side's a little sore. Must be the spike in my workloads - 20-odd overs out there," he said, only half-joking. "I felt it a little bit early on in my spell, but I guess in that kind of situation you just want to keep going. Every time I got a wicket, it felt a little better.” ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come? New Zealand beat India by 113 runs in the Pune Test which sealed a famous 2-0 series win over India with one contest in Mumbai still to go. Before the series, New Zealand had not won a Test match on Indian soil in 36 years, but that drought came to an end in Bengaluru. However, the win in Pune goes down as the biggest win for New Zealand as it sealed their maiden series win away in India. New Zealand back in race for WTC final While India’s chances were heavily dented, New Zealand have rejuvenated their hopes of a second WTC final after 2021. The Kiwis now have a PCT of 50 from 10 matches where they have won five and lost five. They still have four matches to play in the WTC cycle with them standing an opportunity to whitewash India on their home turf. In case the Kiwis win their four matches they will attain a PCT of 64.28, giving them a good chance of qualifying to the final.

IND vs NZ: 'Every time I got a wicket, it felt better,' says match-winner Mitchell Santner after NZ win

<p>India were rocked in the second Test match against New Zealand in Pune on Saturday (Oct 26) as they conceded their first series defeat on home turf in 12 years. Rohit Sharma’s men now need a miracle to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final while head coach Gautam Gambhir is feeling the heat. While the 113-run defeat comes as a big loss, the social media did not sit back and has taken a dig at the duo of Gambhir and Rohit. Here are some of the reactions.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Who is the greatest spinner? Warne or Murali?<br />
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Gautam Gambhir: Mitchell Santner <a href="https://t.co/GrtQrmwyL7">pic.twitter.com/GrtQrmwyL7</a></p>
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adityakrsaha/status/1850122892635488263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gautam Gambhir will now realise that blowing air out of your mouth in front of a camera is way easier than the coaching hat.<br />
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He said this when we won in AUS, should we question your career now that you’ve lost a home series, Gautam? <a href="https://t.co/uUFPYFeDPc">pic.twitter.com/uUFPYFeDPc</a></p>
— Areyyyyy Yaarrrrrr (@A_niche11) <a href="https://twitter.com/A_niche11/status/1850123986987778457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gautam Gambhir politics after becoming head coach so far<br />
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- Sacked Pandya for no reason<br />
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- Sidelined Ruturaj from T20I side who was 7th ranked at that time<br />
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- Delayed Harshit Rana debut so that KKR retains him as uncapped player <a href="https://t.co/orGJ0bZgdS">pic.twitter.com/orGJ0bZgdS</a></p>
— Titu (@TituTweets_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TituTweets_/status/1850095909784461449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">KL Rahul to Rohit Sharma &amp; Gautam Gambhir from dugout… <a href="https://t.co/hE15Di7x5u">pic.twitter.com/hE15Di7x5u</a></p>
— Dennis❤️ (@DenissForReal) <a href="https://twitter.com/DenissForReal/status/1850097711149645846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Gautam Gambhir becomes the only indian to lose the test series at home as a player and coach. <a href="https://t.co/rgmWCJjaYC">pic.twitter.com/rgmWCJjaYC</a></p>
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) <a href="https://twitter.com/div_yumm/status/1850123553485775267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Indian cricket fans💔<br />
<br />
After 12 years, 4,331 days, and 18 unbeaten series, the record has finally been broken.<br />
<br />
All the credit goes to <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GautamGambhir</a><br />
And <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a>.<br />
<br />
Tough times ahead, but we will rise again! 💔 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/tVBfFlwBPp">pic.twitter.com/tVBfFlwBPp</a></p>
— 🧢1⃣0⃣ (@CapXSid) <a href="https://twitter.com/CapXSid/status/1850129598840803812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="de">India under Gautam Gambhir so far: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/EngxvrmQqX">pic.twitter.com/EngxvrmQqX</a></p>
— Cric Uneeb (@cric_uneeb) <a href="https://twitter.com/cric_uneeb/status/1850101377252331623?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Never seen such a clueless and Finished captain!!!💀💔<br />
<br />
Indian Cricket Team | Gautam Gambhir| Pant | Gill | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsNZ</a> |<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RohitSharma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RohitSharma</a> |<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/virat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#virat</a> <a href="https://t.co/IytX0sVBLP">pic.twitter.com/IytX0sVBLP</a></p>
— Dheeraj Meena (@Dheerajmeenaa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dheerajmeenaa/status/1849719179399533025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The 113-run defeat has taken its toll on the Indian team’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final. They now face the prospect of winning four Test matches on Australian soil in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The win for New Zealand has also brought them back in the frame for the race to the final.</p>


India were rocked in the second Test match against New Zealand in Pune on Saturday (Oct 26) as they conceded their first series defeat on home turf in 12 years. Rohit Sharma’s men now need a miracle to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final while head coach Gautam Gambhir is feeling the heat.

India were rocked in the second Test match against New Zealand in Pune on Saturday (Oct 26) as they conceded their first series defeat on home turf in 12 years. Rohit Sharma’s men now need a miracle to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) final while head coach Gautam Gambhir is feeling the heat. While the 113-run defeat comes as a big loss, the social media did not sit back and has taken a dig at the duo of Gambhir and Rohit. Here are some of the reactions. Who is the greatest spinner? Warne or Murali? Gautam Gambhir: Mitchell Santner pic.twitter.com/GrtQrmwyL7 — Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) October 26, 2024 × Gautam Gambhir will now realise that blowing air out of your mouth in front of a camera is way easier than the coaching hat. He said this when we won in AUS, should we question your career now that you’ve lost a home series, Gautam? pic.twitter.com/uUFPYFeDPc — Areyyyyy Yaarrrrrr (@A_niche11) October 26, 2024 × Gautam Gambhir politics after becoming head coach so far - Sacked Pandya for no reason - Sidelined Ruturaj from T20I side who was 7th ranked at that time - Delayed Harshit Rana debut so that KKR retains him as uncapped player pic.twitter.com/orGJ0bZgdS — Titu (@TituTweets_) October 26, 2024 × KL Rahul to Rohit Sharma & Gautam Gambhir from dugout… pic.twitter.com/hE15Di7x5u — Dennis❤️ (@DenissForReal) October 26, 2024 × Gautam Gambhir becomes the only indian to lose the test series at home as a player and coach. pic.twitter.com/rgmWCJjaYC — Div🦁 (@div_yumm) October 26, 2024 × Dear Indian cricket fans💔 After 12 years, 4,331 days, and 18 unbeaten series, the record has finally been broken. All the credit goes to @GautamGambhir And @ImRo45. Tough times ahead, but we will rise again! 💔 #INDvsNZ #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/tVBfFlwBPp — 🧢1⃣0⃣ (@CapXSid) October 26, 2024 × India under Gautam Gambhir so far: #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/EngxvrmQqX — Cric Uneeb (@cric_uneeb) October 26, 2024 × Never seen such a clueless and Finished captain!!!💀💔 Indian Cricket Team | Gautam Gambhir| Pant | Gill | #INDvsNZ |#RohitSharma |#virat pic.twitter.com/IytX0sVBLP — Dheeraj Meena (@Dheerajmeenaa) October 25, 2024 × The 113-run defeat has taken its toll on the Indian team’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final. They now face the prospect of winning four Test matches on Australian soil in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The win for New Zealand has also brought them back in the frame for the race to the final.

IND vs NZ: Rohit-Gambhir face social media heat as India drop first Test series on home soil in 12 years

<p>There were more questions than answers inside the Indian team’s dressing room after they lost the Pune Test match against New Zealand on Saturday (Oct 26). The 113-run defeat in Pune also brought to an end India’s more than decade-long unbeaten run on home soil in a Test series. While Rohit Sharma took the bullet in the post-match press conference, a slight murmur has already started against the tactics of head coach Gautam Gambhir. But the big question is will it get any worse for India as the latest defeat was their second under Gambhir ahead of a big Australian tour to come.</p>

<h2><strong>Gambhir in the spotlight</strong></h2>

<p>Not long ago the Indian team and Gambhir were praised for the pro-Bazball approach in the Kanpur Test match against Bangladesh where the hosts won the match despite no play in the opening two days. However, things have gone downward for India in the New Zealand series. What should have been a launching pad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has now turned out to be a nightmare with one match still to go in the New Zealand series.</p>

<p>Indian batters were heavily exposed against the Kiwi spinners as they gave India a taste of their own medicine. This is the same New Zealand side that lost 0-2 against Sri Lanka in September, making India hot favourites to win the three-match Test series and put one foot into the World Test Championship (WTC) final.</p>

<p>Evident from the early days, Gambhir has a big say in the Indian team selection process and has handpicked players like Shreyas Iyer and Harshit Rana. However, those decisions to promote the youth could go unnoticed if India continues to struggle.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the worst yet to come?</strong></h2>

<p>Needing a probable four wins in six remaining Test matches, the majority of those matches will come Down Under in Australia. India will play Australia in a five-match Test series, which could be a ‘make or break’ series for Gambhir. While India remain the last team to beat the Aussies Down Under in a Test series, Pat Cummins and Co have already shown why they are India’s biggest nemesis. They beat India in the WTC final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ind-vs-nz-2nd-test-mitchell-santner-spins-kiwis-to-maiden-test-series-victory-in-india-770920">IND vs NZ, 2nd Test: Mitchell Santner spins Kiwis to maiden Test series victory in India</a></strong></p>

<p>If Cummins and his side is at their best and judging from India’s vulnerable last two Tests, a one-sided result for the hosts could be the beginning of the end for Gambhir.</p>

<p>If that is not enough, a poor form in the Champions Trophy 2025 could prove to be vital as Gambhir won’t be left with too much margin for error.</p>

<h2><strong>Big lows for India under Gautam Gambhir</strong></h2>

<p>First series defeat against New Zealand on home soil</p>

<p>First Test series defeat on home turf since 2012</p>

<p>First ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka in 27 years</p>


There were more questions than answers inside the Indian team’s dressing room after they lost the Pune Test match against New Zealand on Saturday (Oct 26). The 113-run defeat in Pune also brought to an end India’s more than decade-long unbeaten run on home soil in a Test series.

There were more questions than answers inside the Indian team’s dressing room after they lost the Pune Test match against New Zealand on Saturday (Oct 26). The 113-run defeat in Pune also brought to an end India’s more than decade-long unbeaten run on home soil in a Test series. While Rohit Sharma took the bullet in the post-match press conference, a slight murmur has already started against the tactics of head coach Gautam Gambhir. But the big question is will it get any worse for India as the latest defeat was their second under Gambhir ahead of a big Australian tour to come. Gambhir in the spotlight Not long ago the Indian team and Gambhir were praised for the pro-Bazball approach in the Kanpur Test match against Bangladesh where the hosts won the match despite no play in the opening two days. However, things have gone downward for India in the New Zealand series. What should have been a launching pad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has now turned out to be a nightmare with one match still to go in the New Zealand series. Indian batters were heavily exposed against the Kiwi spinners as they gave India a taste of their own medicine. This is the same New Zealand side that lost 0-2 against Sri Lanka in September, making India hot favourites to win the three-match Test series and put one foot into the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Evident from the early days, Gambhir has a big say in the Indian team selection process and has handpicked players like Shreyas Iyer and Harshit Rana. However, those decisions to promote the youth could go unnoticed if India continues to struggle. Why is the worst yet to come? Needing a probable four wins in six remaining Test matches, the majority of those matches will come Down Under in Australia. India will play Australia in a five-match Test series, which could be a ‘make or break’ series for Gambhir. While India remain the last team to beat the Aussies Down Under in a Test series, Pat Cummins and Co have already shown why they are India’s biggest nemesis. They beat India in the WTC final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023. ALSO READ | IND vs NZ, 2nd Test: Mitchell Santner spins Kiwis to maiden Test series victory in India If Cummins and his side is at their best and judging from India’s vulnerable last two Tests, a one-sided result for the hosts could be the beginning of the end for Gambhir. If that is not enough, a poor form in the Champions Trophy 2025 could prove to be vital as Gambhir won’t be left with too much margin for error. Big lows for India under Gautam Gambhir First series defeat against New Zealand on home soil First Test series defeat on home turf since 2012 First ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka in 27 years

Gautam Gambhir era witnesses another low in New Zealand series defeat; is the worst yet to come?

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Aditya Vidyadhar Pimpale

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